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Immune system can affect social behaviour, finds new study

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immune-system

In a startling discovery, scientists have found that immune system can directly affect, and even change, social behaviour, a finding that may have great implications for neurological diseases such as autism-spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.

“Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of social dysfunction in neurological disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, and may open new avenues for therapeutic approaches,” said Vladimir Litvak, assistant professor at University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS).

Litvak and Yang Xu, a PhD student at UMMS, developed and employed a novel systems-biology approach to study the complex dialogue between immune signalling and brain function in health and disease. “Using this approach, we predicated an unexpected role for interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), an important cytokine secreted by T lymphocytes, in promoting social brain functions,” Litvak said. Using the new approach, Xu defined canonical immune signalling signatures and analysed for their presence in thousands of publicly available brain transcriptome data-sets.

These studies uncovered a hidden connection between T-cell mediated immune signalling and social brain function. Researchers found that various organisms, including rodents, fish and flies, elevate IFN-gamma signalling in social contexts. These findings suggest that the IFN-gamma signalling pathway may mediate a co-evolutionary link between social behaviour and an efficient anti-pathogen response that might be critical for herd immunity.

Jonathan Kipnis, of the University of Virginia School of Medicine showed that blocking IFN-gamma in mice made mouse brains become hyperactive and caused atypical social behaviour. Restoring of IFN-gamma-signalling in the brain normalised brain activity and social behaviour.

Health

These three drinks can be a blessing for your gas and acidity problems

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ily foods, spicy dishes, fried fares… Done it all and regretting it? If you’re suffering from acid reflux, you probably know what to eat and what to avoid. But is there anything to relieve you from such digestive issues? Well, there are certain drinks for acidity to improve your digestive health, if you consume them regularly.

Ready to find out? Let’s go!

In an Instagram video, nutritionist and health coach Neha Ranglani has suggested that to calm your acid reflux, you need to help your food get digested well. This can be done by improving your stomach acid production and healing your stomach cells. And these drinks that she has suggested, can help with just that, allowing you to digest your food well without the burn.

Here are 6 drinks for acidity:

1. Cucumber juice

Cucumber is a favourite salad ingredient in summer because of its cooling properties. Consuming cucumber juice can be really beneficial for relievingacid reflux because it is highly nutritious as it provides your body with both fibre and water which is needed for better digestion and has a low calorie volume. What’s more? It can also keep you full and help you avoid reaching out to junk foods!

2. Lemon water

Lemon can do you a world of good! Being rich in vitamin C and B and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium—drinking lemon water regularly will not only help you burn fat but will resolve your digestive issues such as acidity. Moreover, lemon water contains laxative properties that can help improve your bowel movements and clear toxins from the body, keeping you hydrated.

3. Ginger water

Ginger aka adrak, is a very well known ingredient that has been used for ages to help relieve acidity and gas. Also, if you are facing digestive issues due to overeating or undigested food, consuming ginger water can help in emptying your stomach. You can also consume it by adding it to soups, subzi or curry, and even tea. Remember that you’re not allowed to consume ginger in excess amounts.

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